Vanuatu Minister for Youth and Sports, Francois Chani Tabisal has commended rower Rillio Rio Rii and Luigi Teilemb, for their achievements at the recent World Rowing Coastal Championships in Hong Kong.
Rii and Teilemb took out 11th place in the A Final at the event.
Minister Tabisal was was honoured and happy to meet the sporting champions.
He was also surprised by the rowing facilities at the Port Vila Rowing Club stating that “this is unbelievable and a privilege for all those who have supported the development of rowing in Vanuatu through donations and sponsorship to have been a part of the journey to Rii’s and Teilembs success on the World Stage”.
Mr Tabisal thanked Rii and Teilemb and the Vanuatu Rowing Association for the hard work and commitment that they put in to being able to fly the flag high for Vanuatu; “on behalf of the Vanuatu Government and the Prime Minister I want to congratulate you both on your achievements at the World Rowing Coastal Championships in Hong Kong”
The Minister acknowledged that “although rowing is only small in Vanuatu and many people in the outer islands of Vanuatu may not yet have heard of rowing, it is a sport that is growing momentum through success and the Government of Vanuatu recognises the dedication of the rowers in reaching that success”.
He also announced support for the development of coastal rowing by committing 500,000 vatu to the Vanuatu Rowing Association.
The association will be able to purchase coastal rowing equipment to further improve on the training of rowers.
Photo supplied Caption: Minister for Youth and Sport, Chani Tabisal with Vanuatu Rowing champions Rillio Rio Rii and Luigi Teilemb